At the Top of the World
With its sprawling glaciers, jagged mountains and scenic fjords, the isolated islands of Svalbard are an Arctic wilderness like no other. Just a few hundred miles from the North Pole, an expedition here will probably be the most northerly adventure you’ll ever have.
In Svalbard, every season holds its own beauty. During the summer, migratory species arrive and Arctic flora brings a riot of colour to the tundra. Autumn sees the dimming glow of the Midnight Sun and winter transforms the land into a dark, icy wonderland on the northmost extreme of the inhabited world. In spring, the sun returns and brings with it Polar Bears, seals, walruses, Arctic Foxes and reindeer.
You’ll see all this and more on your Svalbard cruise, guided by your expert HX Expedition Team, from the ship, the land, expedition boats and kayaks.
This tiny town on Spitsbergen island was the base for many attempts to reach the North Pole, including one led by Roald Amundsen. It now has its own museum and the world’s northernmost post office.
Scattered with fjords, beaches and warm springs, this beautiful national park has a long history of exploration and is home to various species of whales and seals, as well as Polar Bears.
Translating as 'White Island', Nordaustlandet is the second-largest island in the archipelago of Svalbard, carved by ice into a landscape of ice caps, jagged cliffs and sweeping tundra.
Filled with rocky islets, mountain plateaux, tundra plains and ice floes, this national park is a designated Important Bird Area and home to Ivory Gulls, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic Foxes, and whales.
Thriving in a world of ice
Nearly two-thirds of the land here is protected as nature reserves, national parks and bird sanctuaries and, as a result, the wildlife in Svalbard is enthralling. As reindeer and Arctic foxes roam the valleys and tundra, you’ll see walruses and seals lounging on the shores and sea birds swooping majestically overhead. Bring your binoculars – you may even be lucky enough to spot a Polar Bear from the ship’s deck.
Adapted to thrive
Despite its chilly temperatures and icy landscapes, Svalbard is home to dozens of fascinating species you’ll want to spot on your expedition. Arctic Foxes, although endangered in mainland Norway, are doing well here and Svalbard Reindeer, native to the land for 5,000 years, can be seen across the archipelago. Even the beautiful and elusive Polar Bear – known locally as Isbjørn – can sometimes be spotted from the deck as they prowl across the snow.
Aquatic royalty
The cold, clear waters of Svalbard are home to several whale species, including Beluga, Minke, Humpback and Fin Whales. From the deck of our ship, you’ll have the chance to witness these immense creatures show off their agility, leaping into the air in their own unique acrobatic display. You might even catch sight of the mighty Blue Whale, the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth.
Arctic avians
Svalbard is a haven for birds and heaven for birders. 41 species of seabird breed here every year and the west coast of Spitsbergen is famed for migratory birds in summer, including Brünnich’s Guillemots, Pink-footed Geese, Little Auks, King Eider and Atlantic Puffins. Watch for Black Guillemots and Common Eiders drifting across the fjords as the air fills with the squawks of Glaucous gulls and the chirping of Little Auks.
The best time to travel
Polar Bears
As the Arctic summer thaws the ice, Polar Bears migrate to the islands in search of food, raising their cubs under the Midnight Sun from April to August. As part of our mission to be the world’s most sustainable expedition travel company and in line with new regulations from the Norwegian government, we’re careful to keep a respectful distance from these beloved animals, so be sure to pack your binoculars for the chance to spot them from the ship.
Experience Svalbard with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Since 1896, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world.
Exploring in our expedition boats
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting seals and whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. From here you can watch birds soar through the air and glaciers calve before your eyes, all before returning to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.
Hiking and kayaking
As soon as you step off the ship, you have the chance to see Svalbard from a different perspective. Walking and hiking are one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and dynamism of the land, and those ready to take to the water will enjoy kayaking between smaller icebergs and getting a whale’s-eye view of the glaciers.
Watching for wildlife
The enchanting animal life of Svalbard is one of its biggest draws, so watching for reindeer, Arctic Foxes, seals, walruses and Polar Bears will likely be at the top of your list. As we navigate the shoreline in our small expedition boats or hike across landscapes, you’ll also be joined by hundreds of thousands of birds flying overhead.
History and culture
Svalbard is a place rich in exploratory history and filled with small communities with stories and traditions to share. In Longyearbyen, we’ll explore the area’s close connection with HX heritage and coal mining, now the gateway to the Arctic, and in Ny Alesund we’ll learn more about how this hub of whaling and mining has evolved into one of science and research.
Breathtaking scenery
Svalbard is a photographer’s dream. Here, under the glow of the midnight sun, you’ll see sparkling glaciers calving into the Arctic Ocean and wildflowers carpeting the hills as the snow melts away. The extra daylight hours mean more time for exploring and, if conditions are just right, the opportunity to reach the ice edge, wherever it may lie that day.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to Svalbard with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.
Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).
Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Centre and brief you on the next day’s schedule.
Life onboard
A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Spitsbergen or MS Fram, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other.
Comfort and style
With HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.
Culinary exploration
Our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.
Rest and relaxation
After hours of trekking over ice and sailing frozen seas, thawing out in our sauna or relaxing in our spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All ships include an outdoor hot tub and have a pool, others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.
A deeper understanding
The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.
Feed your curiosity
A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Spitsbergen or MS Fram, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other.
Active learning
The Science Centre is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.
Expert guidance
Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Centre. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.
Get involved
We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary continent.
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
